OH, HELL NO!
Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.
This chapter has been beta'd by dowlingnana and her work is making the story flow more smoothly.
"It is a sad day indeed when parents survive their children instead of the other way around. Families and friends alike gather here to bid a farewell to these two loved ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for the protection of their fellow man.
"We are laying to rest two such honorable officers who did just that, they gave their lives to bring justice to the criminals that were about to murder innocent victims for their greedy needs.
"Let's take a moment to reflect upon these two individuals and how they each had an influence upon our lives. How their interactions with us in some way gave us hope, peace, guidance or a smile to help us feel better.
"As hard as it may be for us to bid them farewell from our lives, we must remember that God has received them into his home. Their work here amongst us has been done. But, we must also remember that God will give justice to those that took these two from us at such an early age.
CHAPTER 26: EPILOGUE
Five years have passed since that day that both his Bella had been laid to rest beside Edward Cullen. In fact, it was five years to this very day, but, Charlie remembers all of the events as if they had just happened from the very moment the doctor had said "I'm sorry-". Chaos broke out with those words due to everyone's sorrow at the news. And, Charlie knew that not only was he going to have to deal with Jane's upset and his own, but, he was still going to have to find a way to tell Renee and the outcome of that shock due to the loss.
As they had arrived back in Forks with the rest of the volunteers from there, Charlie told them all to go home, rest and not to worry about coming in for very days that he would be in touch with them. After that he drove home and parked in the driveway both Charlie and Jane sat in the car still in a state of shock at all that had happened over the last few hours and they were unaware of the two women, one an older woman and then a stranger who was younger than the other woman, standing in the doorway watching the two individuals in the car.
Seeming to come aware of his surroundings Charlie opened the door at the same time he happened to look up at the house and becoming aware of two persons watching from that direction. Jane exited the car on the passenger side, walked around the car on trembling legs, saw her mother and then brought out into run with tears steadily falling from her eyes and down her face. Renee rushed towards her youngest daughter at the same moment. As she gathered her close she looked over at her husband and was struck by the sheer look of sorrow and loss that was on his face.
Renee realized in that moment that the tears from her daughter weren't just that of joy; something was wrong, something was terribly wrong. Her joy of having Jane home safe and sound turned to lead as it settled heavily in the pit of her stomach. "What's happened?" she asked looked from one to the other. Charlie went into his police mode to explain since that was the only way he could tell her about Bella. She collapsed upon the ground screaming, taking Jane down with her. And, Heather, still standing in the doorway began to cry for the loss of her friend.
It wasn't long before the story spread throughout the entire town of Forks due to the details given from the other members of the team that had taken part in the capture and rescue of Jane, Katrina and the other young people. Everyone pulled together to support the Swan family with total devotion and love giving support when and where they could or it might be needed without thought of cost to themselves.
Charlie had been made aware of Heather's story and why she was there. He opened his arms and heart just as Renee had and made her a permanent member of the family as they all grieved the loss of Isabella.
XXXXXXXXX
The moment the doctor had started with the "I'm sorry -" the three women of the Cullen family collapsed in the waiting room. Emmett reached for Rosalie, Jasper for Alice and Carlisle for Esme to try and catch them before they hit the floor.
The rest of the team remained motionless due to the shock. Carlisle remembered Charlie Swan talking with him before he left taking his daughter, Jane, with him back to Forks.
Now, five years later the families were meeting at the cemetery to remember their lost children like they have done each year since burying them side by side. Over the days that since they had been pronounced gone Charlie and Carlisle discussed arrangements and it was decided that since Bella and Edward were married they should be buried together and that would be in Forks. That way it was more away from the mainstream media circus.
During the time after the funeral the Cullen family had moved to Forks and Carlisle began to work at the hospital. Esme had continued with her business, but, Rosalie and Alice had married the loves of their lives, as they said. Emmett and Jasper shortly after they had asked and been granted permanent transfer to the FBI office in Seattle. But, about two years after the transfer the two men were asked to handle a smaller office of the FBI in Port Angeles since it was a port city with plenty of cargo coming and going.
Rosalie and Emmett had married a year after the loss of Edward and now have a son, Edward Allen. And about six months after their marriage Alice and Jasper had married who are now expecting a daughter, their first child.
But, the one mystery that remained a question in everyone's mind was why the caskets had remained closed and no one had been allowed a viewing. But, Emmett and Jasper had only commented that they thought it would be easier on everyone to have it that way. That way they would all have the last memory of the two while they were alive and not one laying cold from death.
XXXXXXXX
Everyone had gotten their assigned tasks done immediately they had returned back to Seattle. It was important to get everything done so they could get to the hospital as soon as possible, but, shortly after arriving the news was delivered about the loss of two team members. This news made everyone more determined to avenge their deaths by bring down the rest of the group involved with Victor Charles.
It took another three months, but, all of the arrests were done and the entire operation along with all of its members were brought down and jailed. Many of the people turned state evidence after agreeing to a plea bargain to receive lighter sentences.
It didn't take long after returning from the raids that the young captives had been taken for medical treatment, their parents contacted and each had been returned home. Before leaving, though, every last one of them said they would be returning to testify at the upcoming trial for Victor Charles.
Each agency that had been involved with bringing down Charles and his operation had been successful and contributed with all of the evidence they had been able to get.
Finally, the day arrived for Victor Charles and his superiors along with the ones underneath that hadn't wanted to deal were all brought to trial. There were so many counts against them that it took two day just to read all of the charges. However, during this time three unexpected witnesses turned up. A Ben Cheney from the DEA, a Amun Turner from the ATF and one Eleazar Gomez from the CIA, who all had been working undercover closely to Victor Charles, himself. Then the task force members that had worked with Edward and Bella all were ready to testify as to what had happened during each of the raids they were involved in personally, as well as the actual murder of their two comrades during the last raid that had been committed by Victor Charles personally.
The Swan and Cullen families all attended and Charlie along with his team members gave their testimony of what had transpired during the last raid and rescue which had resulted in the death of three people.
The trial lasted nearly six months, but, in the end the four men and one woman that were in charge of the illegal activities were all given the death sentence after being found guilty on all counts. Charlie walked up to Victor Charles after the sentence hearing had been adjourned to whisper, "You better remember my promise." Then he turned and walked out of the courtroom with his family.
XXXXXXXX
After each person laid flowers on the two graves everyone returned to the Swan home for dinner and a quiet visit. They all had grown closer together due to the loss of their children. And since this occurrence the two families took vacations together as well as celebrating other holidays. Included as part of the Swan family was Heather and Jane treated her as an older sister.
Well, after dinner Emmett cleared his throat and then commented, "Since this is my year to arrange for the family vacation I wanted to let you know that we leave in two weeks for a month away from the rat race."
"Where are we going?" Everyone asked including Rosalie since he hadn't discussed anything with her.
"Nothing special, just tropical fun in the sun, light evening breezes and ocean surrounding us on all four sides that will ensure our privacy on the beaches."
"Come on, Emmett, give us more information than that." they begged.
"I will only say that a dear friend of mine has invited us down to enjoy ourselves on his privately owned island in the Caymans." Then the discussion began about what all would need to be done before leaving for that length of time along with what shopping would be needed for the right clothes and so forth. The excitement of going to such a place was building and bringing their spirits up after the tension filled day of today.
The voices were raised and they almost missed hearing the sound of the phone ringing in the Swan kitchen. Finally, it was heard and Renee went to answer it while everyone were still talking about the upcoming trip and what they wanted to do once there. "What the hell did you just say?" Renee was heard to ask in a slightly raised tone of voice. She listened for a bit longer and then hung up. As she came back into the living room where everyone had gone quiet and was waiting to hear what might be the problem, Renee looked a bit pale but serene.
Looking around at everyone she finally spoke, "That was the warden in Walla Walla calling to let us know that justice has been served in a most unexpected way. It seems that one of the trustees that serve dinner to the inmates on death roll got into an argument with Victor Charles and Charles is now dead."
No one spoke, but, Charlie quietly had a small slight smile on his face and was barely heard by anyone as he said, "I made him a promise. Now, it's kept."
It wasn't long after that that everyone left for the night and over the next couple of weeks were making arrangements for their vacation trip.
XXXXXXXXX
As the couple watched their children play in the sand building sandcastles, or, just running and racing along the shoreline, the comment was made, "There are going to be a lot of questions. Are you prepared to give the answers?"
"I don't think there is going to be a problem. Stop looking for them." and then the sound of an approach motor was heard.
It pulled up to the dock and all of the passengers begin to unload themselves and their luggage. Once that is done the boat pulls away and is seen to round the tip of the island after a short period. The excitement of being in such a beautiful place and the idea of being able to relax away from everything had everyone keyed up.
As their guests were nearing the house the couple had rounded up the two kids and all four entered the house to greet their guests properly, but, the two families had reached the house and entered first.
While looking around they hadn't heard or observed the other four persons present on the island enter the room. That is until they heard, "Please, make yourself at home." At the sound of that voice and then it was followed by another voice as it said, "We're happy you could come."
The two families turned slowly to face the voices which at the sight of them caused the Carlisle and Charlie to go pale and drop their jaw while all of the women fainted. Except for Emmett and Jasper who happened to catch their wives the rest of the women hit the floor and was unconscious.
Standing before everyone is the vision of two ghosts. Two ghosts that have been dead for five years and the loss mourned each year.
After a bit of time had passed, the women revived, everyone shown to their rooms everyone gather back down in the living room for a round of questions and demanding answers. As they all entered the room they saw Emmett and Jasper seated and talking with the man and woman who had two children standing close beside them.
"I think now is the time to tell us what is going on." Charlie demanded before anyone else could say a word.
"Charlie, everyone, let me introduce you to the owners of the island and my friends, Edward Masen and his wife, Marie, along with their two children, Mark and Matheson, age three. You may have heard of Edward and listened to his music over the last few years." Everyone turned towards Emmett with a "you are dead meat" look showing in their eyes.
"Why don't we all get comfortable and then we can explain why all of this has happened." Marie suggests.
When they are seated Edward begins with the story and explains that due to the danger presented to family members if anyone was forgotten as an act of revenge, it had been decided that it would be best for Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan to die.
"Emmett and Jasper have kept us up to date on all of the happenings and situations with the family, but, there was no way we could come back after the world thinking we had been killed. So, we have made a new life for ourselves and it sure as hell wasn't easy.
"I truly thought I was never going to get Marie to accept giving me a chance to make our marriage work, but, she finally agreed. We did have our disagreements and times of wanting to pull my hair out at her stubbornness, but, I love her more as each day passes and now we have two beautiful children.
"Marie teaches school on the nearest island while I watch the twins and write music like I have always wanted to do. Seems I have made a success of it, too." He says with a smile.
Charlie looks over at Marie who has her hand in Edward's then looks at her face which has the love shining brightly before he asks, "Are you happy?"
"Yes, Dad, I am. My life with Edward and the children are complete and I truly enjoy what I'm doing now. I feel like I'm making a difference for the future and have left all of the ugliness behind me."
And with that said the families set forth to meet the members of the families that they haven't met in the past; the grandchildren and the nieces and nephews. With the hours passing contentment begins to seep into the hearts of all of the adults.
As the days pass and the peace fills the souls everyone starts making plans of moving to and building their own homes upon the island and leaving all of the past behind them. Since Edward, Bella and their children can't return and be alive then the next best thing to be a part of their lives is to move and join them in paradise.
A/N: Our story comes to an end, but, the happiness found will carry them forward into the many tomorrows.
Hope you will enjoy and take the time to let me know your thoughts, opinions and ideas. Please review and I will answer back as I always appreciate hearing from all of you.